Yes, there are many senior housing options to choose from and no simple answer to the question of which one is right for you. But, here’s the upside of having so many choices: you stand a better chance of finding onethat matches well with your long-term goals, so let’s get to it!

Knowing when is the right time to move your loved one into assisted living is not easy. You may have seen warning signs that put you on edge, such as out-of-character behaviors and various odd incidents at home which planted the seed of alternative care in your head. The fact that you are having this mental conflict in the first place is a sign in itself to start the conversation with your loved ones.

Assisted Living, Personal Care Homes or Board and Care Homes are different ways of saying: “don’t worry seniors, we’ll support your independence and offer assistance with your daily needs.” In an assisted living environment, routine activities that once took over an hour to accomplish, such as bathing, dressing or grooming, now take a fraction of the time because of the care and personalized attention residents receive. This means more time to pursue other interests like participating in a book club, becoming involved in community outreach, wellness and volunteer programs, just to name a few!

Choosing an assisted living community is one of those decisions in life when you need to get it right the first time. After all, it’s a long-term commitment and you want the best fit for maximum comfort over the long term. So, what should you look for? What must you avoid? Here are a few do’s and don’ts from the experts you might want to consider: